In short

You will work directly with the Global Head of Footwear Materials to develop and implement the strategy for On’s most important and overarching topic: sustainability through footwear materials. This role is pivotal in achieving our ambitious goals by collaborating with the entire R&D, operations, and broader On team. The overall scope of the role includes positively impacting all Sustainability topics across the Product Organization for Footwear. We are looking for an experienced and proactive sustainability enthusiast to make a real impact.

Your Mission

  • Be a proactive self-starter passionate about creating change, with a proven track record of leading and implementing sustainability strategies in senior roles (5-10 years of experience).
  • Bring in-depth knowledge of materials specific to footwear and an understanding of developing strategies, visions, targets, and KPIs for sustainable and inclusive business transformation.
  • Drive the implementation of educational tools and frameworks for the business, with a strong enthusiasm for delivering them through effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Demonstrate excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills to engage, inspire, and influence diverse audiences at different levels within the organization and externally.
  • Collaborate with multiple stakeholders to successfully execute action plans and work effectively across departments and with external partners.
  • Exhibit exceptional project management abilities, prioritizing and managing multiple initiatives concurrently with clear milestones and KPIs.
  • Promote effective cross-functional collaboration, alignment, and timely achievement of key milestones toward our Impact Progress Report.
  • Possess a strong understanding of governance principles, ethics, and compliance.
  • Collaborate with and influence other leaders, ensuring they become advocates for this mission in every part of the business.
  • Be able to switch quickly between different topics, understand complex ecosystems, and navigate cross-functional collaboration landscapes.
  • Serve as a leader by leading and developing the sustainability strategy and engagement team, ensuring timelines and targets are met.
Group of girls smiling
  • Man and woman sat at desks talking
  • Open planned office with men and women sat on a a large curved sofa
  • Group of runners talking outside the office
  • A team of people sat on the steps with a view of mountains outside the office.
  • Two women smiling at each other in a meeting room with large curved windows
  • A group of people sat around a table looking at large design papers
  • 3 men sat around with laptops smiling at each other
  • a large group of runners holding an On flag smiling at the camera
  • Man and woman sat at desks talking
  • Open planned office with men and women sat on a a large curved sofa
  • Group of runners talking outside the office
  • A team of people sat on the steps with a view of mountains outside the office.
  • Two women smiling at each other in a meeting room with large curved windows
  • A group of people sat around a table looking at large design papers
  • 3 men sat around with laptops smiling at each other
  • a large group of runners holding an On flag smiling at the camera
  • Man and woman sat at desks talking
  • Open planned office with men and women sat on a a large curved sofa
  • Group of runners talking outside the office
  • A team of people sat on the steps with a view of mountains outside the office.
  • Two women smiling at each other in a meeting room with large curved windows
  • A group of people sat around a table looking at large design papers
  • 3 men sat around with laptops smiling at each other
  • a large group of runners holding an On flag smiling at the camera

Your story

  • 8+ years of progressive experience in the field, preferably within the apparel or footwear industry, or in adjacent industries with similar industrial production challenges.
  • Educational background in Material science, strategy and/or environmental science.
  • Extensive experience and knowledge across all sustainability topics for product creation, with the ability to offer a critical perspective.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to successfully lead, drive, and shape cross-functional initiatives.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with expertise in sourcing or environmental management.
  • Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
  • Embody the Survivor Spirit, as a thought leader who challenges the status quo and doesn’t settle for the “industry standard” in sustainability practices.
  • A visionary leader with a down-to-earth attitude who not only defines and articulates a long-term mission but is also eager to drive execution and collaborate on problem-solving with key internal stakeholders.
Three On colleagues eating lunch together

About the Team

We are a small team with big responsibilities. In our Footwear Materials team, we implement and execute the sustainability strategy for the entire company through our footwear materials where we help shape the future of the organization. We conduct research, create strategies, implement projects, and innovate products and processes through the lens of sustainable materials and footwear. One of the main objectives of the team is to drive strategic material sustainability priorities into reality in collaboration with other departments across the company, with a focus on consistent and effective communication and education around these topics. As the Senior Lead, you will also have the important task of leading and influencing the current team and fostering effective collaboration across our global footwear creation team.

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A man smiling to the camera whilst working on a shoe
A man smiling to the camera whilst working on a shoe

Explorer

Explorer

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Successful creation is all about thinking differently. We celebrate crazy ideas and face challenges head-on to shape better, more innovative products and inspire a better brand.

Learn about our Spirits
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Ernest

Footwear Development, Ho Chi Minh City

Unlike other brands, we aren't just executioners out here in Vietnam, we give ideas as well. Sometimes they have a new idea in Zurich and we might find a process to make it more efficient and we share that.
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What we offer

On is a place that is centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically – to stay active, to learn, explore and innovate. Our distinctive approach combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere, with access to personal self-care for both physical and mental well-being, so each person is led by purpose.

On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.

Build the better you

What to expect

We want to set everyone up for success, so here’s the lowdown on how we hire. Our process is a two-way street – bringing you into our culture, while helping us learn how you think.

Our full process can last about eight weeks from application to offer, because we care about getting it right. These steps explain how we usually do things.

Before you get started, feel free to consider if you want to work with us. Strange question? Well, we give people a lot of space to navigate their day-to-day and that style isn't for everyone. We want you to be passionate about what you do and be sure this is the right fit. Because when skills and passion combine – it creates that 'Wow' moment.